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Advocacy
Soroptimist International of Europe holds general consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and participatory status at the Council of Europe and the European Women’s Lobby. SIE also participates in the work of OSCE through its permanent representatives. This allows the organisation to advocate at the international level and lobby for the ratification and implementation of treaties concerning women and demand that priority issues for women receive their rightful place on the sustainable development agenda.
In addition to our core campaigns, we actively engage in international days of action throughout the year, supporting initiatives that align with our focus areas and champion the rights of women and girls.
Our Main Advocacy Campaigns
Each year, SIE lead two flagship advocacy campaigns—READ THE SIGNS and Why It Matters—as part of its ongoing commitment to promote gender equality and end violence against women and girls. These campaigns mobilise Soroptimists across Europe to raise awareness, influence policy, and drive change at local, national, and international levels.
READ THE SIGNS - 16 Days of Activism
READ THE SIGNS, launched as part of the annual Orange the World campaign and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, focuses on identifying and preventing violence in all its forms. Initially aimed at recognising signs of toxic relationships and preventing domestic abuse, the campaign has evolved – since 2024 – to spotlight the growing threat of cyberviolence. Through education, advocacy, and community action, the campaign empowers individuals to take a stand and create safer digital and physical spaces for women and girls.
Campaign 2024
WHY IT MATTERS -
International Women's Day 2025
WHY IT MATTERS – Soroptimists Driving Equality has been launched on the occasion of International Women’s Day. This campaign invites everyone to reflect on why gender equality remains a vital goal and to consider how each of us can contribute to meaningful change. With a focus on education, it highlights the transformative power of learning to break down barriers and open opportunities for women and girls worldwide.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
Established by the United Nations in 1946, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the leading global intergovernmental body exclusively focused on advancing gender equality and empowering women worldwide.
CSW’s core mandate includes developing policy recommendations and reports for the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on women’s rights, monitoring the implementation of measures for the advancement of women, and identifying challenges to gender equality. It also plays a key role in overseeing progress on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and promoting the integration of gender perspectives across all areas of UN work.
The Commission meets annually in New York, bringing together representatives from UN Member States, civil society organisations, and UN agencies. These sessions provide a vital platform to evaluate progress, address gaps, and spotlight emerging issues affecting women and girls globally. The discussions culminate in agreed conclusions and recommendations that guide further action and are submitted to ECOSOC for follow-up.
Each year, the SIE President leads a dedicated delegation to CSW in New York, ensuring that the Global Voice of Soroptimists is heard at the highest levels.